Our Mission

Athlete Training is an integral part of the Special Olympics program. One of the founding principles of the Special Olympics movement states that “People with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, enjoy, learn and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Consistent training under the guidance of qualified coaches, with emphasis on physical conditioning, is essential to the development of sports skills.”

Become an athlete with Special Olympics

Athlete Training is an integral part of the Special Olympics program. One of the founding principles of the Special Olympics movement states that “People with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, enjoy, learn and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Consistent training under the guidance of qualified coaches, with emphasis on physical conditioning, is essential to the development of sports skills.”

Become a volunteer

Volunteers enable Special Olympics to offer sports training and competition programs to nearly one million individuals with developmental disabilities on a worldwide basis. Special Olympics would not exist today-and could not have been created - without the time, energy, dedication, and commitment of the more than 500,000 Special Olympics volunteers.

How can I contribute to Special Olympics West Virginia?

This is the feeling of more than 4,000 Special Olympics West Virginia athletes who compete year-round in 18 sports. These athletes have proven, given the chance, no disability is too great to overcome. You can help individuals with intellectual disabilities have opportunities for sports training and competition that brings a sense of accomplishment, pride and joy to their lives.

How can I be a corporate sponsor of Special Olympics West Virginia?

Businesses are invited to help make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics West Virginia athletes by increasing their level of corporate involvement and support and having a greater impact on their communities. Empower thousands of athletes while enhancing your corporate image, positively impacting employee morale and reaching loyal consumers in West Virginia by becoming a corporate sponsor today.

Join those driven to help Special Olympics ––The Dream Ride Experience

You are invited Smoke Hole Caverns in Cabins, WV to welcome the motorcyclists as they finish day 5 of their ride!

Over the past 15 years, Dream Ride has raised an impressive $3,365,000 to support Special Olympics. For thousands of Special Olympics Athletes, Dream Ride is a unique opportunity to receive recognition for their achievements and efforts to overcome intellectual challenges, shatter stereotypes, and celebrate with those in their communities and beyond.

Michael Bush is an attorney with Bowles Rice LLP in Morgantown and a member of the board of directors of Special Olympics of West Virginia.

Advocates remind us this October to look at the person before the disability. By White House Proclamation President Obama declares, “During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the Americans living with disabilities, including significant disabilities, who enrich our country, and we reaffirm the simple truth that each of us has something to give to the American story.” This year's theme: “Expect. Employ. Empower.”